United Airlines legroom on international flights AmsterdamYEAH (2024)

FAQs

Which airline has the most legroom for international flights? ›

The best international airlines for legroom in economy

ANA, Emirates, EVA Airways, and Singapore Airlines (32-34 inches) Air China, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Korean Air (32-33 inches) Cathay Pacific, SWISS, and Vietnam Airlines (32 inches)

If you plan to fly with United Airlines, expect a 31-inch pitch in most of its Boeing airplanes. The exceptions are routes operated on Airbuses as well as some 737 aircraft, which have 30 inches of legroom. The 787-8 Dreamliner service is a bit more generous with up to 32 inches.

Seats in United's Economy class have a width of 17.3 inches, and 31 inches of legroom or seat pitch. United Economy Plus: Economy Plus seating on United has a width of 17.3 inches as well, but 37 inches of legroom. In other words, paying up means getting the same seat, but with 6 extra inches of legroom.

Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and anywhere close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane. On a short business trip, you might want an aisle seat near the front of the plane so you can debark as quickly as possible on arrival.

Ryanair leads the pack with a standard pitch of 30 inches. It also offers premium seats up front (for an extra charge) with a great 32 to 34-inch pitch. This beats some “legacy” airlines, including Iberia, which goes as low as 28 inches on its Airbus narrowbodies.

Referring to the Cabin Seat Chart

Our team were unanimous in selecting seats A or C, H or K in Rows 31-34 on this aircraft. On the plus side, you are at the quietest end of the cabin, will be amongst the first to deplane at destination, and stand a good choice of getting the full choice of meals on offer.

Emirates wins award as the World's Best Economy Class with Qatar Airways in second place and Singapore Airlines in third position. Scroll down to see all of the economy class airline category ratings.

Extra legroom

An extra 3 to 4 inches doesn't sound like much but if you are over 6 feet tall, you know that those extra inches can add a good amount of comfort, especially if the passenger in front of you decides to recline the chair.

United Airlines have the facility on some aircraft to provide special seating for passengers who are flying plus-sized. These larger seats have a maximum of 20.5 inches for the seat width, so it may be worth investigating which routes United fly with these seats to find out where you can be most comfortable.

Legroom: United Premium Plus seats, located at the front of the economy cabin, feature up to seven extra inches of legroom over a standard economy seat, while the Economy Plus seat offers travelers six inches of extra legroom. Premium Plus seats also recline up to three inches more than a standard seat.

Where is the best leg room on a plane? ›

Depending on the airline and airplane configuration, bulkhead seats—seats located in the first row after a dividing wall or galley—typically have the most legroom than any other seat on the plane, though be aware you won't have access to underseat storage.

Statistically, the aisle seat is more popular among frequent air travelers. Passengers who prefer the aisle seats say it's better because they have easy access to the restrooms, the possibility of a little extra legroom, and they're first to exit the aircraft.

Cosy up with a pillow and a blanket on one of our comfortable seats. Located in the front of the aircraft, right behind Premium Comfort Class or Business Class, you'll be amongst the first passengers to disembark. Other features include: 10 cm more legroom than a standard seat.

The feature that will arguably draw most passengers to KLM's Premium Comfort cabin initially is the ability to get more space onboard without having to spring for a business class ticket. And the seat is definitely comfortable. It's noticeably wider than a standard economy seat, with much more legroom.

In the competition of United Airlines versus American Airlines, we'll take United, especially if you avoid basic economy seats and live near a hub. Though its flight redemptions are overpriced, its credit card perks, more legroom in economy plus and luxurious Polaris class put it a (small) notch above American.

The best seats in Economy Class

In Economy, I'll typically choose a window or aisle seat near the front of the cabin or at the bulkhead. Another spot I often consider in Economy Class is an aisle seat located about 4-5 rows from the back.

Within the cabin itself, try to find a seat in the middle of the cabin. The main areas where passengers congregate are the toilets and snack areas, and these are generally located at the back of cabins, so if you're on the aisle and don't want to be disturbed by noisy passengers, stay away from the back.

Middle section

This section is stationed directly over the wings, the most stable area of the plane and center of lift, so sitting here makes for the smoothest ride should the plane hit turbulence.

Does Delta or United have better seats? ›

If legroom is your number one priority, you can rest assured: Both airlines feature comparable seats with equal amounts of sprawl. Ditto with checked luggage: Both Delta and United allow you to check two free bags to most destinations, with expedited delivery of them at Baggage Claim.

United Airlines, like most other airlines, does require overweight passengers to purchase an extra seat, and if a passenger is unable to fit fully in their seat with both armrests down, a flight attendant or gate agent will likely require them to purchase a second empty seat in consideration of their fellow passengers.

United Premium Plus^SM offers you extra space, added comfort and more ways to enjoy your trip on select flights. Your seats are closer to the front of the plane, giving you more legroom, elbow room and room to recline. Each seat has its own power outlet and USB charger.

The Best Seats: United First®

Seats 1A and 1B are the best because there's no one reclining into you. There is also a cutout in the bulkhead wall, offering plenty of legroom for passengers.

Economy Plus^® seating

Economy Plus seats feature up to 6 inches (15 cm) of extra legroom and are located near the front of the United Economy cabin, helping to get you on your way when you reach your destination. Economy Plus seating is available on all United flights and most United Express^® flights.

Keep in mind that upgrading to Economy Plus will only net you more legroom, guaranteed in-seat power access and a seat closer to the front of the plane; it will not get you an additional baggage allowance.